Arctic Sea-Ice Cover Reaches Record Low

World Climate News n.23, p.13, Jun03

Published by the World Meteorological Organization

[Map and graph below]

In September 2002, sea-ice extent (the area of the ocean where sea-ice coverage exceeds 15 per cent) was at least 4 per cent lower than in any previous September since satellite monitoring began in 1978, and 14 per cent lower than the long-term (1978-2000) mean. The map shows the area of the Arctic Ocean covered by sea ice in September 2002, as measured by scientists at the National Snow and Ice Data Centre of the University of Colorado using satellite data such as the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer.

Over the years 1979-2002, there was a trend toward lower summer minima. As the graph (below, right) illustrates, there is considerable annual variability in the minimum extent.

The World Climate Research Programme through its Arctic Climate System Study (ACSYS) and Climate and Cryosphere (CLiC) study is investigating the processes governing variations in Arctic Sea ice cover. A conference summarizing the scientific achievements of ACSYS will be held at the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute, St Petersburg, Russian Federation, 11-14 November 2003.

Sources:

National Snow and Ice Data Centre, University of Colorado, http://nsidc.org
ACSYS project Website, http://acsys.npolar.no
ACSYS Conference Website, http://acsys.npolar.no/meetings/final/conf.htm
CliC project Website, http://clic.npolar.no

Lower concentrations of ice floes than average for the period 1987-2001are shown in blue, and higher concentrations in yellow. The magenta line indicates a more typical ice extent (the median for 1987-2001). The white circle at the North Pole is the area not imaged by the satellite sensor.

Source: Ken Knowles, National Snow and Ice Data Centre, University of Colorado, Boulder, USA

September ice extent (millions of square kilometres) for the period covered by the satellite data record. Line shows linear fit to the data points

Source: Florence Fetterer, National Snow and Ice Data Centre, University of Colorado, Boulder, USA

Internet ( http://www.wmo.ch, then select “Catalogue of the WMO Publications”). To receive a printed copy at no cost, write or email WMO (see page 2), giving your name, address and the language version required (English or French).

source: http://www.wmo.ch/web/catalogue/New HTML/frame/engfil/wcn/wcn23.pdf PDF file

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